In this episode, Angus and Master Sommelier Carlos Santos dive into Mencia, a red grape variety from the northwest of Spain that sits beautifully between Pinot Noir, Gamay and Syrah. If you love Pinot but want something a little richer, or you are looking for a gateway into bolder reds, Mencia might be your new favourite varietal.
Carlos breaks down the regions of Bierzo and Galicia, how altitude and maritime influence shape the wine, and why Mencia has become a quiet favourite among sommeliers. Angus approaches the wine blind and shares how he assesses the colour, nose and palate as a novice working on his tasting skills.
Perfect for wine lovers who want to expand beyond the usual Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Cabernet.
Sponsors:
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Key Talking Points
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Mencia often sits between Pinot Noir and Syrah in weight and structure
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Mostly grown in Bierzo and Galicia in northwest Spain
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Expect red fruits, violet, rose, medium body and silky tannins
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A great option for Pinot Noir drinkers wanting something more generous
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Understanding how altitude, climate and maritime influence shape the style
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Why Spain’s wine renaissance in the late 20th century elevated Mencia
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Blind tasting approach for novices
Chapters
00:00 — What is Mencia?
Setting up the grape, why it’s confusing and why it matters.
00:16 — Why Pinot Noir Drinkers Should Try It
Positioning Mencia for the Australian palate and explaining its style.
01:08 — Carlos’s First Encounters With Mencia
Origin story, credibility and early exposure.
01:53 — What Mencia Tastes Like (Compared to Syrah, Gamay and Pinot)
The clearest flavour and structure comparison.
02:30 — Is Mencia the Gateway Back to Bigger Reds?
Bridging lighter drinkers to fuller styles.
03:32 — Blind Tasting: Appearance and Aroma
The start of the formal assessment.
05:58 — Palate Breakdown
Tannins, body, fruit profile, balance — the core tasting notes.
08:15 — Old World vs New World Guess
Great chapter for wine geeks.
10:33 — Where Mencia Grows and Why It Matters
Bierzo, Galicia, altitude, climate — the terroir chapter.
13:45 — Spain’s Wine Revival and Mencia’s Comeback
History in context, tied to modern quality.
14:56 — Final Thoughts and What to Try Next
Clear closing chapter.
Tasting Notes (From the Episode)
Appearance: Deep ruby, opaque core, richer colour than Gamay or Pinot
Nose: Red roses, violets, ripe strawberry, raspberry, light pepper
Palate: Medium body, silky tannins, red and black fruit mix, gentle warmth, balanced finish
Alcohol: Listed at 13.5 percent
Overall: Fruit forward, expressive, high quality for the price
Mencia wine, Pinot Noir alternatives, Spanish red wine, Bierzo wine region, Galicia wine, Master Sommelier podcast, wine tasting tips, medium bodied red wine, Gamay vs Mencia, Syrah alternatives, GotSom podcast, Carlos Santos sommelier, Angus O'Loughlin wine
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